Measurement System Analysis (MSA)

Set a strong foundation in Six Sigma measurement system analysis with our two-day workshop that focuses on essential aspects of effective process management

This two-day Measurement System Analysis (MSA) course is essential for successful Six Sigma DMAIC and DFSS projects, the implementation of SPC and SQC, and efficient process management. Reliable measurement processes are critical to the success of any effort dependent on measurement data and process analysis, including Six Sigma DMAIC improvement projects, DFSS project, SPC, SQC, Supplier Quality, and business process management and continuous improvement. Without validation that measurements are accurate, repeatable with multiple measurements by the same person, reproducible from person to person (gage Repeatability and Reproducibility or gage R&R), all conclusions are suspect, and process management is therefore fragile and ineffective. Organizations typically focus on measurement accuracy and calibration, but this course also emphasizes the essential elements of reliable measurement procedures.

Students learn how to assess and improve measurement processes with measurement system analysis (MSA), including how to set-up, conduct, and interpret gage R&R studies as well as develop control charts to maintain reliability. The methods are a powerful and practical guide to improving measurement processes. The course addresses measurement of continuous variables (e.g., distance, temperature, thickness) and attribute variables (e.g., the number of error or defects, proportion defective). Participants also learn how to deal with non-destructive, semi-destructive, and destructive measurement processes.

Course Topics

  • Ability to design, conduct, analyze, interpret and improve measurement processes for precision, stability, and consistency with gage R&R studies
  • Practice in conducting and interpreting gage R&R studies and setting-up the stability of measurement processes
  • Learn how to assess the ability of a measurement process to discern important process or product changes
  • Knowledge about approaches to deal with non-destructive, semi-destructive, and destructive measurement processes
  • Experience with the analysis of measurement reliability of attribute variables
  • Know how to apply measurement system analysis to Six Sigma DMAIC and DFSS projects, SPC, SQC and business process management
  • Software options for automating the analysis and an Excel template for conducting them
  • Participants receive free time-limited versions of software for performing measurement system analysis and general statistical analysis

Day 1 — Measurement Process Reliability for Non-Destructive Continuous Variables

  • The role that measurement system analysis plays in Six Sigma DMAIC and DFSS projects, SPC, SQC, quality system management and business process management and continuous improvement
  • Intro to measurement process reliability and measurement system analysis — accuracy, precision (gage R&R), process stability and why they matter
  • Measurement and data types — destructive versus non-destructive, continuous variable data, discrete or attribute data
  • Measurement process repeatability and reproducibility (gage R&R) for non-destructive continuous variable data
  • Workshop — design, conduct, analyze and interpret a live gage R&R study
  • Follow-up and improvement of the measurement process
  • Qualifying others on gage R&R
  • Gage R&R methodology applications to set-up processes

Day 2 — Measure Stability, Attribute Data, Approaches to Measurement Reliability for Destructive Testing

  • Measurement stability — relevance and strategies to assure measurement process remain valid and optimum
  • Measurement reliability for attribute variables and non-manufacturing processes
  • Workshop — design, conduct, analyze and interpret a live gage R&R study for visual inspection data
  • Follow-up and improvement of the attribute measurement process
  • Learn strategies for measurement reliability for destructive testing
  • Managing and sustaining measurement reliability with control charts
  • Review of application of gage R&R methods for Six Sigma DMAIC and DFSS projects, SPC, SQC, quality management systems and business process management

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this two-day workshop, participants will be able to assess and improve measurement systems for their reliability and effectiveness for continuous variable and attribute data, and destructive and non-destructive testing.

What Career Paths Benefit the Most From Measurement System Analysis Workshop?

  • Six Sigma Green Belt and Six Sigma Black Belt certification candidates
  • People working with manufacturing or non-manufacturing processes
  • Manufacturing, Process, Quality, Reliability and Metrology Engineers
  • R&D scientists and engineers
  • Product and process development and design engineers

Additional Course Notes

Customized and on-site versions of this course are available for organizations desiring to target specific groups or objectives. Examples include: quality and process engineers; metrology engineers; supplier quality engineers with an emphasis on how to deal with individual cases like destructive testing and how to create a culture of continual improvement around reliability measurement systems; equipment operators with a focus on participation in the conduct and interpretation of gage R&R results; marketing and business research personnel and how to design to validate the reliability of answers to survey questions or other research methods.

Prerequisites: A basic understanding of statistics is helpful. However, the instructor will review basic statistical concepts as required for the interpretation of results.

Credit & Follow-Up

Participants who complete this course successfully will earn credit toward Six Sigma Green Belt and Black Belt certification. Participants completing the course will earn the right to return to audit free of charge when the course and classroom space is available.

Credits: 1.5 CEUs

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